The boardwalk at Stonebridge Wild River Reserve, which runs alongside the River Kennet and allows a chance to spot species such as kingfisher, water vole and brown trout, is disintegrating and needs replacing. Action for the River Kennet(ARK) have launched a crowdfunder to raise the necessary funds for a new one. Click here to donate – donations of all sizes are welcome.
Anna Forbes, Education and Outreach Manager, told Marlborough.news, “The boardwalk is a valued community asset, well-loved and well used by local residents of all ages and visitors to the town. It provides a beautiful walk throughout the seasons along the banks of the Kennet (a rare and precious chalk stream).
Our vision is to remove the old boardwalk this year and replace it and the jetties using recycled plastic materials which are non-slip, require minimal maintenance and will last longer than the old wooden one.
The new boardwalk will be fitted by our excellent volunteers, led by an experienced member of our team. The design incorporates improved accessibility for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, meaning more people can safely access and connect with nature year-round.
Stonebridge Wild River Reserve is free to visit and is open all year round. We frequently use the reserve, including the boardwalk for our no-charge educational outreach River School workshops with local schools and groups. The boardwalk has also been regularly used and enjoyed by carers with their clients in wheelchairs from the nearby retirement home, the existing boardwalk is no longer suitable for this.
When the new boardwalk is complete, we will host a community celebration event at the reserve.
Please help us achieve our funding target to ensure a new and better boardwalk and jetties which can be built so members of our community and visitors can continue to access, experience and enjoy the river.”
Part-Time Teacher/Regular Supply Teacher Vacancy – Ramsbury Primary School
